So Long, Grandma

My only remaining grandparent died today. She was almost 93.

Until today, we had 5 living generations, all female. I was in the comfortable #3 spot...grandmother alive, and grandchildren of my own. Today, with her passing, we all move up a spot, and i can tell you that it bothers me. But this is not about me....

Grandma was my sounding board for all things spiritual. She was the only one of my extended family who was active in the church. She understood my love of the gospel. We had that in common and it was a treasure. I know that the last time she was able to go to the temple, i took her. She had been my escort when i went the first time. She was so proud of me and of Scott.

She was my link to my heritage. She knew the former generations...those "names" on my family history papers. She told me about her mother, my grandpa's family, assorted aunts and uncles. I knew them only because she told me about them.

We were not particularly close when i was little. We lived in Arizona and she lived in Utah. In my younger days i prefered hanging with my Grandpa...i had been named after him, afterall! But when he died she became more of a force in my life, and i grew closer and closer to her. In her latest failing years, when she did not remember her own children consistently, she always knew me. I knew when i saw her in April that i would not see her again in this life. My mom was with her as she departed.

I am not sad at her passing. Although i will miss her, i cannot help but think about the glorious reunion going on today as she is greeted by her beloved parents, her sisters, and her husbands (yes, 3 of them!) and my two brothers who have already gone. Today her mind has become sharp again, her pain is gone, her worries are over. What a glorious day this is! June 25, 2008.